Benefits of Cinnamon Capsules

Cinnamon, commonly enjoyed in pies and oatmeal, actually has several therapeutic effects on human health when taken in capsule form. In Chinese medicine, cinnamon is used to improve circulation. Ancient Egyptians used it to embalm the dead and today science is finding the benefits of cinnamon capsules include powerful anti-diabetes properties.

Types

• There are two types of cinnamon; cinnamomum zeylanicum nees and cinnamomum cassia blume. Medical studies have used cinnamomum cassia blume, which is what most cinnamon capsules contain.

Effects

• Cinnamon supplementation has been shown to reduce glucose as well as lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Function

• The active compound in cinnamon is called methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP). MHCP mimics insulin in the body, thereby reducing the body's own insulin response.

Dose

• The effective does of cinnamon varies between 1, 3 and 6 grams with the best results observed at a dose of 6 grams. Capsules are typically sold in increments of 1,000 mg.

Considerations

• Capsules can elicit cinnamon burps, which can be reduced by drinking a full glass of water with each dose.

Warning

• Cinnamon is generally considered safe, but coumarin, a compound contained in cinnamon, could cause liver and kidney damage at high doses. Cinnamon does not appear to affect the A1C number in diabetics, which is the true measure of diabetes control.